From rafting in Rishikesh to rang barse royal-style, a musical soiree or an ethnic experience — our recommendations for an offbeat Holi.

Farmhouse parties with loud music not your scene? How about a Holi by the river or even better, a fort steeped in history? That certainly sounds better than being dunked in a pool of colour and alcohol.

With traditional rituals, diverse playing styles and cuisine, the festival of colour turns a different shade every few hundred kilometres in north India. That should be enough incentive for people to head out of the city.

Take your pick from a rafting Holi at Rishikesh, or Rajasthan, Gujarat or Vrindavan for a traditional experience.

Independent photographer Udit Kulshrestha, for instance, is addicted to Holi celebrations of the Braj region.

Shivpuri is a big hit for its organic, water-based Holi and rafting trips. Several parts of Rajasthan are known for ‘Dhulandi’.

Pushkar has its flowers-only Holi, Jaipur the traditional one with folk music as well as snooty parties like Delhi’s farmhouse gigs.